The Geology Of The Country Around Liverpool – A Lecture To The Liverpool Naturalists’ Field Club November 1861

Author: George H Morton
Publisher: George Smith, Watts & Co
Price: £95
Publication Date: 1863
Edition: Revised edition
Size: Octavo
Condition: In good condition
Number of Pages: pp. iv + plates + 55

Condition:

Presentation copy from the author: ‘With the author’s kind regards’ to the head of the title page. Original cloth with paper spine label to front board. Edge-wear to the cloth, now protected in an easily-removable archive acetate cover but binding nice and tight. Minor pencil annotations otherwise pages and plates very nice and clean. Overall a good to very good copy. Scarce.

Geological Overview of Liverpool and Surrounding Areas

The geology of Liverpool and its surrounding areas is both complex and diverse, reflecting millions of years of geological processes that shaped the region. The area is dominated by sedimentary rocks from the Triassic, Permian, and Carboniferous periods, with significant glacial deposits from the Quaternary period. The landscape has been shaped by ancient desert environments, marine conditions, and more recent glaciations, giving it both economic importance and a unique geological character.

1. Triassic Period

The Triassic sandstones are one of the most distinctive geological features of the Liverpool region. Formed between 250 and 200 million years ago, these sandstones are part of the Sherwood Sandstone Group, which underlies much of north-west England.

• Sherwood Sandstone Formation: This formation consists primarily of red, yellow, and brown sandstones, which were deposited in desert environments. The New Red Sandstone, as it is commonly known, was laid down when the region was part of a vast desert. These sandstones are soft and easily eroded, and they form notable cliffs along the Mersey estuary and the Wirral Peninsula. The sandstone is also porous, making it an important aquifer, providing water to the region.
• Economic Importance: The Triassic sandstones have been historically important as a building material, with many of Liverpool’s historic buildings, such as Liverpool Cathedral and parts of St George’s Hall, constructed from local sandstone. Quarries in nearby areas provided the stone used in the development of the city.

2. Permian and Carboniferous Periods

Beneath the Triassic rocks lie older rocks from the Permian and Carboniferous periods, which have influenced the geology of the broader region, including parts of Lancashire and Cheshire.

• Permian Rocks: In parts of the Liverpool region, Permian sandstones and conglomerates underlie the Triassic deposits. These rocks were formed in arid conditions following the end of the Carboniferous period. They are less visible than the Triassic rocks due to their deeper position but are part of the geological history of the region.
• Carboniferous Coal Measures: Though not directly under Liverpool itself, the Carboniferous coal measures in nearby Lancashire and Cheshire were of immense economic importance. These coal seams, formed from ancient swampy forests around 300 million years ago, powered the industrial revolution and were vital to the growth of Liverpool as a major industrial port. The coal measures also contain rich deposits of plant fossils, which have been studied for insights into the ancient ecosystems of the Carboniferous period.

3. Glacial Deposits (Quaternary Period)

Much of the surface geology of Liverpool and the surrounding areas is dominated by deposits from the Quaternary period, particularly those left behind by glaciers during the last Ice Age.

• Boulder Clay (Glacial Till): The region is covered in a thick layer of boulder clay, also known as glacial till, which was deposited during the retreat of glaciers about 10,000 years ago. This material consists of clay, sand, gravel, and large boulders that were transported and deposited by glaciers. The presence of these glacial deposits smoothed and shaped the topography of the region, creating flat lowlands in many areas.
• Glacial Erratics: Large boulders, known as glacial erratics, can be found scattered across the region, having been transported by glaciers from distant locations such as the Lake District or Scotland. These erratics are often of a different rock type than the local geology, providing evidence of the vast movement of ice during the Ice Age.
• Post-Glacial Features: After the glaciers retreated, the Mersey and its surrounding areas were shaped by the deposition of alluvium (river sediments), creating fertile land in the river valleys. Post-glacial sea level changes also influenced the formation of estuaries and coastal features around the Mersey.

4. Coastal and Marine Geology

The Mersey Estuary and Liverpool’s proximity to the Irish Sea have played a significant role in shaping the region’s geology.

• Marine Deposits: Much of the Wirral Peninsula and the area around Formby are characterised by marine sands and clays. These were deposited during periods of higher sea levels, when much of the area was submerged. The movement of tides and currents has created sandbanks and mudflats along the coastline, which are still evolving today.
• Tidal Influences: The coastline has been shaped by tidal forces, particularly in the Mersey Estuary. The estuary’s strong tides have eroded the softer Triassic sandstones, creating the characteristic cliffs on the Wirral side of the Mersey. The tidal processes also result in the deposition of silts and clays, which contribute to the ever-changing coastal landscape.

5. Economic and Industrial Geology

The geology of the Liverpool area has had a profound impact on the region’s economic development.

• Building Stones: The Triassic sandstones were not only important for water resources but were also quarried for building materials. The distinctive red sandstone used in many of Liverpool’s historic buildings is a testament to the local geology.
• Salt Deposits: Nearby Cheshire is famous for its extensive salt deposits, which are part of the Triassic Mercia Mudstone Group. These deposits have been mined for centuries, and salt extraction became a major industry during the 19th century. The salt was transported through Liverpool’s port, further connecting the city’s economy to the region’s geology.
• Coal Mining: While Liverpool itself did not have coal mines, it became an important hub for the export of coal from the Lancashire and North Wales coalfields. The geology of these regions, particularly the Carboniferous coal measures, was crucial for the city’s growth as an industrial port during the 19th century.

6. Notable Geological Landmarks

Several features in the Liverpool area are of geological interest:

• The Wirral Peninsula: The Wirral is characterised by its sandstone cliffs along the Mersey Estuary and Heswall, with evidence of glacial action visible in the landscape. The Wirral also features wind-sculpted sand dunes, particularly near Hoylake and West Kirby.
• Formby Dunes: North of Liverpool, the Formby Sand Dunes are a significant geological feature. These dunes, formed by wind-blown sand from the Irish Sea, are part of a larger coastal ecosystem that has evolved over thousands of years. They are also a site where prehistoric human footprints have been found preserved in the mud, providing an important link between the region’s geological history and human activity.
• The Mersey Estuary: The estuary’s sandstone cliffs and wide mudflats are key geological features, shaped by tidal forces and erosion. The river terraces along the Mersey, formed by past fluctuations in sea levels and river flow, offer insights into the changing landscape over millennia.

Conclusion

The geology of Liverpool and its surrounding areas reflects a dynamic history of ancient deserts, rivers, glaciers, and seas. The Triassic sandstones, Permian rocks, and glacial deposits have not only shaped the physical landscape but also influenced the economic development of the region, from the use of building stones to the transportation of coal and salt. Understanding this geological history is key to appreciating the evolution of Liverpool and its importance in both natural history and industrial heritage.

George H. Morton: A Short Biography

George Highfield Morton (1826–1900) was a prominent English geologist and naturalist, particularly known for his contributions to the study of the geology of Liverpool and surrounding areas. He was an influential figure in the local scientific community during the 19th century, actively engaging with natural history societies and publishing extensively on geological topics.

Early Life and Career

• Born: 1826 in Liverpool, Morton developed an early interest in the natural world, particularly in geology, during a time when this field was undergoing significant development as a scientific discipline.
• Career: He started his professional life as a land surveyor and became deeply involved in geological studies in the Liverpool area. His knowledge of surveying and mapping proved invaluable in his geological work, as he applied these skills to create detailed maps and descriptions of local geology.

Contributions to Geology

Morton is best known for his detailed geological surveys and publications on the geology of Liverpool and Cheshire. His work focused primarily on the Triassic rock formations and the glacial deposits that dominate the landscape of this region.

1. Geological Surveys of Liverpool

• Morton’s work in Liverpool involved extensive fieldwork, where he studied and mapped the various rock strata in the area, particularly the Triassic sandstones. He published several papers and maps detailing the geological structure of Liverpool and its surroundings.
• “The Geology of the Country Around Liverpool”: This was one of his most well-known works, in which he provided a comprehensive account of the geological features of the Liverpool area. This included descriptions of the rock formations, fossils, and the impact of glacial activity on the landscape. His work was widely respected for its accuracy and attention to detail.

2. Mapping and Publications

• Morton was responsible for producing some of the earliest detailed geological maps of the Liverpool area, which were crucial for both scientific understanding and practical applications such as mining, quarrying, and construction. His maps helped clarify the distribution of Triassic, Permian, and Carboniferous rocks in the region.
• He also authored numerous papers on various aspects of geology, contributing to both local and national geological societies. His papers often dealt with specific features like rock formations, fossil discoveries, and the effects of glaciation.

3. Fossil Discoveries

• Morton had a keen interest in fossils, particularly those found in the Triassic and Carboniferous strata of the Liverpool area. He made significant contributions to the understanding of the paleontology of the region, documenting fossils that helped geologists better understand the ancient environments in which these rocks were formed.

Involvement with Natural History Societies

• Morton was an active member of the Liverpool Geological Society, where he served in various leadership roles, including president. Through his involvement with the society, he worked to promote geological studies among the wider public and helped organise field trips and lectures for both amateurs and professionals.
• He was also associated with the Liverpool Naturalists’ Field Club, delivering lectures and leading field trips aimed at educating members about the geological features of the region. His lectures, including the one likely titled “The Geology of the Country Around Liverpool,” were focused on explaining local geological phenomena, such as the stratigraphy of the Sherwood Sandstone Group, glacial deposits, and the history of the landscape’s formation.

Later Life and Legacy

George H. Morton continued to work on geological surveys and publish on the topic until his death in 1900. His contributions to the geological understanding of Liverpool and surrounding areas left a lasting impact on the field, particularly in advancing the knowledge of local geological formations and their broader significance.

Today, Morton’s work is remembered for its foundational role in mapping the geology of north-western England. His detailed maps, field studies, and publications continue to serve as valuable resources for geologists and historians alike, contributing to our understanding of the region’s geological history.

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